AN OLDBURY golf course could be closed and the land used for a park, school and homes after the council announced it costs £257k of taxpayers' cash a year to keep open.

Sandwell Council bosses say Brandhall Golf Course could be used to build a new school to replace ageing Causeway Green Primary in Penncricket Lane and to create a public park as well as homes.

A report to the council's cabinet next Wednesday (October 30) recommends a six-week consultation to start in early November.

The authority said running the golf course costs more than £250,000 of taxpayers' cash a year and that more than £3 million would need to be pumped in to bring it up to standard.

Of the 318 current members, 193 live outside Sandwell.

Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Yvonne Davies said: “Brandhall Golf Course is currently costing council taxpayers in Sandwell a quarter of a million pounds a year – with £157,000 of that subsidising golfers who live outside the borough. It also now needs major investment.

“While no one likes to see facilities close, we have to consider how we invest in the long-term future of the local community.

“We’re keen to hear what people think of the proposal to close the course and what they would like to see in its place if it closes.

“The Brandhall site offers an opportunity to create the borough’s first new major public park since Sandwell was formed.

"This would be a new park that everyone could access and enjoy, which would help promote physical activity and healthy living for all ages.

“A new school to serve local families could also be provided as well as new homes to meet people’s housing needs.”

The council has carried out a detailed study on golf provision in Sandwell.

Research shows attendances at Brandhall Golf Course have fallen by a quarter in five years, and the course costs £257,000 a year to keep open.

Membership at 18-hole Brandhall has fallen each year since 2016 from 352 to 318 members, and usage has reduced significantly since 2013/14.

An external report commissioned by the council found an “over-supply” of golf provision in Sandwell, with seven facilities competing for the same customers.

These include 18-hole, nine-hole and pitch and putt courses. There are more than 30 further golf facilities within 20 minutes’ drive from the borough boundary.

The proposal to close Brandhall Golf Course and club house follows a recommendation from the Sandwell Sport and Leisure Built Facilities Strategy Members Steering Group.

In January 2018, the council’s Cabinet asked for further reports on long-term golf provision in Sandwell and potential alternative uses for the site.

People would be able to give their views via an online survey, email and drop-in sessions in the Brandhall area.

Any proposals to develop the site in the future would be subject to a detailed master plan for the site and planning permission.

The golf course is operated by Sandwell Leisure Trust for Sandwell Council.